The Process - Analyzing Information about the Problem, Goals, and Factors Effecting Them
What do we mean by this process? 

 

Analyzing Information about the Problem or Goal is a process to assess needs and resources and set priorities for change so that a group's efforts are both grounded in and responsive to community needs and concerns.  When groups engage in this process, they examine key behaviors (e.g., youth alcohol use) and personal and environmental factors that affect them (e.g., peer refusal skills, easy access to commercially available alcohol). They also examine community resources that can be used and/or strengthened to address the goal.  The process of Analyzing Information about the Problem or Goal can help an initiative to understand why something is a problem and how to address it.

The framework below illustrates five phases (see A-E below) and twelve processes (see boxes) to advance community change and improvement. As illustrated, Analyzing Information about the Problem or Goal is a key process to help communities anchor change efforts in a thorough understanding of the problem or goal and how to address it. 

Core competencies related to this process include: (a) Assessing community needs and resources, (b) Analyzing problems and goals, (c) Develop a framework or model of change, and (d) Developing strategic and action plans. See the CTB Toolkits.